By John Desing, csc –
Readings: Is 42:1-7; Jn 12:1-11
Today, as we are in the Holy Week, we are called to reflect and rediscover the ultimate self-sacrificial love of Jesus, for us sinners, on the Cross. In today’s Gospel passage, we have an inspiring episode of Mary, the sister of Martha, who has deeply realised the gratuitous love of Christ for her.
Therefore, out of her gratitude and love for Christ, she became a fool to others by wasting a costly perfume on Jesus’ feet. We have St. Teresa of Kolkata, Francis of Assisi, and others, who became fools for Christ by renouncing wealth and property for the sake of Christ. Their love of God, and not for themselves, urged them to do something charitable for the people of God.
The significant point to reflect here is that if we are selfish and think only of our personal interests, we would never experience the unconditional love of God which is a treasure beyond comparison. In fact, if we have Jesus in our life, we have everything because everything in heaven and on earth are under him. It is also true that selfless devotion can cost money, but money alone has no value without a charitable heart.
Therefore, we need to ask ourselves, am I generously spending some money for my spiritual purposes? Do I contribute to the poor and the marginalised? Generosity is not how much we can give but the willingness to give and share the little we have with others. Today, Jesus reminds us to spend our resources for the glory of God. We should never be surprised by the negative comments of others when our expression of love for Jesus may seem foolish to others. It is better that we are labelled as fools for the kingdom of God rather than intellectuals without a heart.